The makeup artist ran from behind the lights, checked Matt and Cindy for shine, smoothed their hair, then ducked back into the shadows.
“Action.”
“So what if I mention her?” Matt said. “It doesn’t mean I’m in love with her. I mean, we’re friends. Sort of. She’s a really special—”
“Cut! That’s not the line, Matt.”
“Matt, why so defensive?” Cindy said. “It’s okay to admit you’re falling for her. You have a lot in common. Fame. Sea Blue Beach. Wanting a family. Saving the Starburst from demolition.”
“The Starlight. Geez, Cindy, how hard is that to remember?”
“All I’m saying is if you love Harlow Hayes ... ” More poking on Matt’s chest. “Go. Get. Her. You know Xander Cole will pull out all the stops. I’ve met him. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and he has a history with her. You win points in the better-looking category, but he’s gotwaymore money.”
“Clearly you don’t know Harlow at all. She’s not some opportunistic fortune hunter.” Matt paced around the set, thinking . . . thinking . . . “Okay, let’s say I wanted to talk to her. What would I say?”
The entire crew chorused, “I. Love. You.”
Giovani, the craft caterer, shouted, “Will you marry me?”
“There you go, Matt.” Cindy punched his arm. “Don’tplaya romantic hero—bea romantic hero.”
“But I humiliated her. I don’t think she can trust me.”
“Then earn it back.”
“Please, Matt, Cindy, let me know when I can film my movie.” Roger collapsed into his director’s chair.
“Sorry, Roger. I’m good to go.” Now Matt was starting to sweat. Could he admit it? That he loved Harlow even if she didn’t love him?
Roger called action, and as the scene started, the phone chimed through the tiny house.
“Don’t stop, keep going!” Roger said. “And who was supposed to disconnect the ringer? You’re fired.”
“Matt, it’s for you.” One of the crew handed him the portable receiver.
“Unbelievable.” Roger hung his head and spewed a few finely chiseled words.
It was Harlow. Matt stepped outside and faced the view of Hollywood.
“Hey, what’s going on? How’d you get this number?”
“Cosmo. Matt, they’ve verified the signatures. There’s a town hall meeting tomorrow night.”
“How’d we do? Any indication? Wait, Harlow, you’re in Sea Blue Beach?”
“Buckhead wasn’t home. Sea Blue Beach is home. I didn’t tell you because . . . well, anyway, I’m working at the Starlight, helping Tuesday.”
“Oh, okay, good. Great. Are you back with Xander?”
“Matt, did you hear me? Town hall, tomorrow night. And no, I’m not with Xander.”
“I’m on my way.” He tossed the phone to the nearest grip. “Roger, I’m off. Be back in a few days.”
“Matt, where are you going? We’re filming a movie here ... Matt!” Roger followed him out the door. “Matt Knight, you’re fired!”
“No, you’re not, Matt,” Cindy called. “You go! Get Harlow!”
TUESDAY
